Southern Illinois vs Belmont Prediction Basketball Picks 1-2-24
Southern Illinois Salukis (9-4) vs Belmont Bruins (9-4)
2024-01-02 20:00:00 EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Southern Illinois Salukis -5.5 -- Over/Under: 145
(Get latest betting odds)
The Belmont Bruins and Southern Illinois Salukis face off on Tuesday in a college basketball showdown at SIU Arena. Let’s look at the betting matchup and give a free Belmont vs Southern Illinois prediction.
Can Belmont Play Enough Defense?
Belmont has had some success this season, but at times the defense has really let them down. In the last game against Samford, Belmont scored 93 points, but the defense gave up 99 points and that led to the defeat. In the last game against Arkansas State though the offense scored 74 points and they ended up winning by four points. Belmont has been a strong offensive team and they are averaging 81.1 points per game. The defense has been the problem though and they are giving up 79.2 points per game. The offense is ranked 54th in the league. Cade Tyson has been the top player this season averaging 17.8 points while shooting 49.3 percent from behind the three-point line. Belmont will meet Drake after this one.
Southern Illinois Looks for Fourth straight win
Southern Illinois has lost three straight games and they have a ton of confidence heading into this game. In the last game against UIC, Southern Illinois scored 62 points, but the defense really stepped up giving up only 50 points and that led to the 12 point victory. Two games ago against Southern Indiana, they were able to secure the 81-50 victory. Southern Illinois on the season is averaging 75.5 points while their defense is giving up 63.5 points per game. The star of this team is Xavier Johson who is averaging 24.6 points while shooting 48.7 percent from the field.
Belmont vs Southern Illinois Betting Prediction
Southern Illinois is going to find success in this game. Belmont is a good offensive team, but their defense really struggles to slowdown anyone, and that is going to be the case in this game. Southern Illinois is averaging 75.5 points per game and they are going to have no issue running up the score in this game against the Belmont defense. This is going to be a comfortable victory. Back Southern Illinois against the spread.
